Harbhajan Singh turns 44 years old on Wednesday and during his nearly 16-year- international career, the spinner was a matchwinner. The youngster made his debut in 1998 against Australia in Bengaluru at the age of 17. In a team with the likes of Anil Kumble and Venkatapathy Raju, the young spinner got two wickets.
His first Test scalp was Greg Blewett and this was followed by the wicket of Darren Lehmann. Harbhajan Singh was in and out of the side before making his return to the team in 2001 in the infamous series against Australia.
By the time he ended his career, Harbhajan Singh had 417 Test wickets. The off-spinner with 25 fifers and on five occasions he picked ten wickets in a game. His famed partnership with Anil Kumble became world-famous as the two led India to many wins home and away.
Here we cast a look at the top 3 Test bowling performances of Harbhajan Singh
3- 5/13 vs West Indies – Jamaica 2006
The fourth and final Test between India and West Indies in Jamaica saw the visitors register their first series win in the Caribbean for 35 years. India were bowled out for 200 in the 1st innings with skipper Rahul Dravid scoring 81. Harbhajan Singh then turned on the screws with 5/13 from his 4.3 overs to bowl out the hosts for 103. From 72/3 the West Indians lost their last wickets for 31 runs as Harbhajan Singh weaved his magic on a turning track.
2- 7/48 vs West Indies – Mumbai 2002
After nearly pulling off an away series win against the Caribbean side, the Indians welcomed them for a home tour in late 2002. The first Test in Mumbai saw India win by an innings and 112 runs. Virender Sehwag (147) and Rahul Dravid (100) led India to 457. 4 wickets each by Zaheer Khan and Anil Kumble saw West Indies get bowled out for 157. Asked to follow-on the visitors were all out for 188 as Harbhajan Singh picked 7/48 to flatten the West Indian spirits with the bat.
1- 8/84 vs Australia – Chennai 2001
The best-ever memory for any Indian cricket fan is the 2001 Test series between India and Australia. The second innings of the Chennai Test saw Harbhajan Singh pick 8/84 and run through the Australian batting unit. That performance saw the young spinner end the series on a high with 32 scalps to his name. Harbhajan Singh also picked his career-best figures and helped India claw their way back into the series and win 2-1
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